You: trying to get your steps in.
Your dog: glued to a lamppost like it holds the secrets of the universe.
Five minutes go by. You tug the leash (gently).
They look at you like you’ve interrupted something sacred because, well, you kinda did.
To us, it’s “ugh, we’ve stopped again.”
To them, it’s “Wait! Someone named Max was here! He’s 3.5 years old, had chicken for lunch, and might be dating Luna from three blocks down.”
We hear this all the time in The Good Paws community
That’s your dog actively translating the world.
And it’s one of the healthiest things your dog can do.
Sniffing Is Brain Work
Let me tell you something wild: A dog’s nose has 300 million scent receptors. In contrast, we have just 5 million!
What takes us a glance can take them a sniff, and that’s not a weakness but their superpower.
When your dog is sniffing, they’re collecting data, reading scent trails, and mapping the emotional and social geography of the neighborhood.
When we constantly yank them away from that, we’re not only interrupting them but also under-stimulating them.
Sniffing, as studies show:
- Reduces cortisol (the stress hormone)
- Activates the brain’s reward system
- Improves confidence and sense of control
Think of it as canine mindfulness. Your dog is out here meditating with their nose.
How dare you interrupt that?
So… Are You Saying I Should Just Stand There?
Not always. Walks are still exercise. Boundaries matter. You don’t need to turn into a human statue every time your dog’s nose hits the ground.
But instead of seeing sniffing as a delay, why not see it as enrichment?
The mental stimulation from 20 minutes of sniffing can be more satisfying than a full-speed 5K, especially for senior dogs, anxious dogs, or breeds that are scent-driven (looking at you, beagles and labs!).
You don’t have to choose between “walk” and “sniff.”
Alternate.
Structure it.
Plan a few “sniff-heavy” days into your week.
And remind yourself that this isn’t wasted time. It’s dog time!
Sniffing and Behavior: Yes, They’re Linked
Noticed how a walk where your dog sniffs more ends with a calmer pup at home?
That’s basic science.
When dogs are allowed to explore the world at their own pace, it helps burn off their mental energy. This is the same mental energy that might spill out later as zoomies, chewing, or humping a very unfortunate pillow.
Giving your dog the space to sniff can:
- Lessen anxiety
- Reduce leash frustration
- Strengthen the trust between you two (yes, really)
It’s you saying, I see what matters to you.
It’s also them feeling understood. All this without a single word being exchanged.
Helpful Sniff Walking Tips
- Use a longer leash (think 6-10 feet) when it’s safe. This gives them space without turning the walk into chaos.
- Follow their lead. Not always, but enough to let them feel in control.
- Pick smell-rich environments: grass, trees, new routes, other dog zones (you know, the gossip hubs).
- Mark out a “sniff zone” on your route. That way, both of you know when it’s time to linger and when it’s time to move.
- Skip the sniff-shaming. You’re not “lazy.” You’re aware. And your dog is lucky.
Let Them Smell the World.
You walk for steps while they walk for stories.
The slower you go, the more they read.
The more they read, the more relaxed, fulfilled, and emotionally balanced they feel.
So next time you’re tempted to tug and say, “Come on, let’s go!” pause.
Let them finish the paragraph.
From all of us at The Good Paws: There’s no wrong way to walk, only better ways to sniff.
And if your dog comes home with a goofy grin and dirt on their nose, that’s the best kind of win, isn’t it?
Have a favorite sniff spot or routine that calms your dog down? Why not share it with our community? We all love mindful, happy walks here.
Comment below or tag us on Instagram @thegoodpawsclub!
About the author: Amritesh Mukherjee is a writer, journalist, editor and companion to the handsomest doggo of the universe, Dusky.
